The most stunning aspect of the kitchen redesign is that it allows
for views across all rooms, lending a sense of openness that flows to
the outdoors. A bead-board coffered ceiling accentuates the kitchen
space, and a shifted, double island creates “zones” for efficient
use of space—whether for two people or a large party. White,
furniture-styled cabinetry and marble countertops enhance both
the home’s modern aspect and its historic character. Large, custom
steel windows and French doors connect the kitchen to the covered
patio. Complementing the home’s existing windows is a new large
custom, wood-arched window that serves as a focal point. “Other
than that, there aren’t a lot of embellishments,” Michelle comments.
“It’s very linear, clean, and integrated. That arched window, for
example, exactly matches the doors to the adjacent music room.”
The outdoor living room features a double-sided, gas start/woodburning fireplace, and a patio design that creates multiple gathering
spaces and gradually connects to the outdoor garden. “We love that
the fireplace can be seen from inside—it’s like having a fireplace in
the kitchen,” Michelle comments. “We use the patio year round.
Even in the winter, we swing open those 9-foot-tall doors, light the
fireplace, and the party moves in and out.”
The Heryfords give credit to their designer for designing a space
that perfectly suits the way they live. “Our designer brilliantly
articulated our lifestyle and envisioned how to increase flow while
keeping the intimacy of the space. We love to cook and entertain,
so we really live in our kitchen. We’re spontaneous people, and it’s
not unusual for us to decide at 3 p.m. to have six people for dinner.
Craig and I have five children between us—some live locally, one’s
in France and another’s in L.A.—and our daughter-in-law is a chef.
So they’re also a lovely part of the chaos in our kitchen.”
These days, Michelle appreciates her dream cooktop, the
appliance that started it all: a six-burner Wolf range with griddle and
double oven. “When you look at our kitchen,” she muses, “you’re
basically looking at the equivalent of my new stove.”
Photography by Anthony Musmanno
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